08/09/13 08:47:27 boqe5sr+0
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IMPORTANCE OF AFLATOXINS IN HUMAN AND LIVESTOCK HEALTH
Ananth S Bommakanti, and Farid Waliyar.
Introduction
Aflatoxins are one of the most potent toxic substances that occur naturally. These are a group of
closely related mycotoxins produced by fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Aflatoxicosis
is poisoning that result from ingestion of aflatoxins in contaminated food or feed. Aflatoxin poisoning
is reported from all parts of world in almost all domestic and non domestic animals like cattle, horses,
rabbits, and other non human primates. Aflatoxicoses is also reported in humans in many parts of the world.
Exposure to Aflatoxin
Diet is the major way through which humans as well as animals are exposed to aflatoxins. Apart
from this, exposure to aflatoxin can be through ingestion of contaminated milk containing Aflatoxin
M1(metabolite of AFB1).Occupational exposure to aflatoxins in agricultural workers, people working
in oil mills, and granaries have been reported (Sorenson et al 1984).